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Graduate Student Research Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Research Assistant (Biology)

Amherst, VA · On-site

$20.87 - $22/hr

... student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its ... The Research Assistant (Biology) is a full-time, fixed-term position. The expected salary range for ...

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Graduate Student Research Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$16

$24

How much do graduate student research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate student research assistant in Virginia is $16.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a graduate student research assistant?

To thrive as a Graduate Student Research Assistant, you need strong analytical abilities, subject-specific knowledge, and enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with research software, data analysis tools (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), and academic databases is typically required. Excellent time management, communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively and balance research with academic responsibilities. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality research, contributing to academic projects, and advancing your academic career.

How much do graduate student research assistants make in the US?

Graduate student research assistants in the US typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual stipends ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 depending on the institution, field, and experience. Many positions also include tuition waivers and benefits, and work schedules often involve part-time hours during academic terms.

What is a graduate student research assistant?

Graduate Student Research Assistants are graduate-level students who assist faculty or principal investigators in conducting research projects, often as part of their academic training. Their duties may include data collection, analysis, literature reviews, laboratory work, and preparing reports or presentations. These positions provide valuable hands-on research experience and may be funded through grants or university programs. Typically, Graduate Student Research Assistants work part-time while pursuing their graduate degrees, contributing to both their professional development and the progress of the research project.

How does a graduate student research assistant typically collaborate with faculty and other researchers in a university setting?

Graduate Student Research Assistants often work closely with faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and other graduate students. They may participate in regular lab meetings, contribute to group discussions, and assist in designing and conducting experiments or data analysis. Collaboration is key, as assistants are frequently expected to share findings, provide feedback on others' work, and sometimes co-author papers or presentations. This teamwork not only enhances the research itself but also provides valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for career development.

What is the difference between Graduate Student Research Assistant vs Research Intern?

AspectGraduate Student Research AssistantResearch Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, relevant coursework or degreeUndergraduate or graduate student, often less specialized
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, university settings, ongoing research projectsResearch labs, industry settings, short-term projects
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, academic research institutionsCorporations, research firms, industry R&D
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic research roles, career developmentIndustry experience, internship opportunities

The main difference is that Graduate Student Research Assistants are enrolled students working on academic research projects within universities, often as part of their degree requirements. Research Interns are typically students or early-career individuals gaining industry experience through short-term internships. While both roles involve research tasks, the setting, credentials, and career focus differ.

Is being a graduate student research assistant good for grad school?

Being a graduate student research assistant provides valuable experience in research methods, data analysis, and academic collaboration, which can strengthen a graduate student's skills and resume. It also offers networking opportunities and often provides financial support through stipends or tuition waivers, benefiting overall graduate school success.

Can graduate students be research assistants?

Yes, graduate students commonly serve as research assistants in academic settings, supporting faculty with research projects, data analysis, and lab work. These positions often require relevant coursework, strong research skills, and sometimes specific certifications or tools, and they typically offer part-time schedules alongside coursework.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Graduate Student Research Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Graduate Student Research Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Student Research Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,169 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Graduate Student Assistant - GSA Digital Media & Journalism

Liberty

Lynchburg, VA

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion, the Graduate Assistant (GSA or TA) works on campus in an academic support role for the University. These roles can range from teaching your own classes, overseeing students, grading academic assignments, scheduling, sending emails, lecturing, etc. The Graduate Assistant works a maximum of 20 hours per week (12m - 1040) throughout their contracted time length.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES


  • Work under the direction and supervision of the Dean, Department Chair, or Professor in the School of Communication and the Arts Digital Medial and Journalism.
  • Be present for all necessary events put on by the department and the Graduate School.
  • Attend all Orientations and training sessions per the direction of the School of Communication and the Arts and The Graduate School.
  • Uphold and follow the Community Standards and respected Honor Code (provided by the Office of Community Life), as well as the Graduate Assistantship Handbook.
  • Create and edit any and all PowerPoint, Excel, or Word documents.
  • Track Attendance using Top-Hat and post in Canvas.
  • Administer/proctor exams: monitor students during exams to avoid talking, laptop browsing, and cheating; answer questions and manage Top-Hat or Canvas technologies.
  • Grade subjective and objective quizzes/tests/exams and written assignments within university specified timeframes.
  • Communicate through email and Canvas with students regarding absences/attendance issues/meetings/any course related questions responding within university specified timeframes.
  • Manage excused absences, doctors' notes, student athletes.
  • At the direction of the Office of Disability Accommodation Support, provide any academic accommodations to students by managing tests and assignments for these students with the Testing Center or making modifications to third party tests/Canvas to meet these requirements.
  • Maintain regular business office hours to provide availability and interaction with students either in person or over MS Teams as directed by their supervisor/chair/dean.
  • Assist the department with miscellaneous administrative tasks/projects and any other various responsibilities.
  • Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.
  • Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU's mission.
  • Assist in a support role for the assigned professor in class related functions.
  • Assist and develop any research related material under the direction of a supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Graduate Assistant Supervisors are responsible for abiding by the Graduate Assistantship Handbook and overseeing the Teaching Assistant for the School of Communication and the Arts Digital Media and Journalism program.. This should be in line with the tasks and responsibilities that will be assigned to their Teaching Assistant. They are to monitor and assess the Teaching Assistants academic, professional, social, and spiritual growth. In addition, they will also complete Graduate Assistants evaluations for every new hire at the end of their first semester and for returners, at the end of the year.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience


Graduate Student Assistant (GSA)
  • Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) degree from a four-year college or university preferred within the communication and the arts digital medial and journalism field.
  • Minimum Qualifications: Must be accepted into, or currently enrolled in a master's or doctorate program by the start date within the School of Communication & the Arts Digital Media and Journalism program.
  • Preferred Qualifications: Must be enrolled in a master's or doctorate program within the School of Communication and the Arts Digital Media and Journalism program and have previous teaching experience.
  • Experience using Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to attain an understanding of all technical systems that support the role of being a GSA.
  • Must live in the local area in order to report to work on campus.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension
  • Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
  • Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
  • Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business, government and community customers and associates.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Computer and scheduling skills.

Problem Solving
  • Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
Physical and Sensory Abilities
  • Required to travel to local and campus locations.
  • May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
  • Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
  • Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.
  • Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
  • Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS


Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate. Working environment also includes facilitation of events outdoors occasionally.


Driving Requirements

Use of one's personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.


PAY RANGE

Graduate Student Assistant

$16,320 annual salary, may be prorated based on the term of appointment.

Time Type

Part time

Location

Onsite

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.